Widespread Wildfires in Croatia (!) Hit Dalmatian Coast, Lika-Senj County, Zadar and Šibenik-Knin Regions and Near Plitvice Lakes National Park
Marek Kučera 
Croatia is currently facing a serious wildfire outbreak, with multiple large fires spreading across various regions due to extreme heat, prolonged drought, and strong winds. The fires have caused widespread damage, forced evacuations, and triggered a massive firefighting response.
🔥 Current Situation
Since mid-June 2025, wildfires have erupted in critical areas including:
- Dalmatian Coast
- Lika-Senj County
- Zadar and Šibenik-Knin regions
- Near Plitvice Lakes National Park
Record summer temperatures exceeding 40°C and persisting dry weather have created ideal conditions for the rapid growth of fires, complicating containment efforts.
🧯 Firefighting and Evacuations
Croatian fire brigades, supported by helicopters and water-dropping aircraft, are engaged in round-the-clock operations to control the blazes. Several villages and towns have been evacuated as flames threaten homes and infrastructure.
Local authorities and the Croatian Civil Protection have issued alerts and coordinated evacuations to protect residents.
🌿 Environmental and Societal Impact
- Extensive damage to forests and wildlife habitats
- Threat to agricultural land and rural livelihoods
- Severe smoke pollution impacting air quality in urban areas such as Zagreb and Split
- Potential economic losses due to tourism disruption during peak summer season
⚠️ Safety Measures and Warnings
Authorities urge the public to:
- Avoid risky outdoor activities in fire-prone areas
- Respect evacuation orders without delay
- Report any new fire outbreaks promptly
- Adhere to fire bans and restrictions
📈 Broader Context
These wildfires are part of a growing trend in Southern Europe linked to climate change, with hotter and drier summers increasing fire frequency and severity.
Sources
- Croatian Civil Protection Official Updates
- European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) Reports
- Reuters – “Wildfires rage across Croatia amid heatwave” (June 2025)
- BBC News – “Southern Europe wildfires intensify with record heat” (June 2025)
- Croatia Week – Local wildfire news
- Air Quality Index Croatia – smoke alerts
Source: https://x.com/volcaholic1/status/1936541345134346353
